There seem to be no end in sight on the leadership crisis that have engulfed Azagba community of Ikopa Okha Local Government Area of Edo state that have so far claimed lives and destroyed properties worth millions of Naira in the process.
The leadership tussle that have particularly led to the deaths of four members of the same family, have defied every possible solutions.
The law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, have been fingered as been responsible for escalating the crisis.
A member of the community who identified himself as Mr Osaro Ikponwosa, noted that the Police have deliberately refused to do that which is expected of them to bring the crisis to an end.
Ikponwosa who traced the crisis to the Azagba community chairman position, alledged that the law enforcement agency have openly taken side on the matter.
He stressed that aside the deaths and destruction of properties recorded, some youths have fled the community in a bid to avoid been caught in the web.
He stated that the family of elder Eghomwanre Bright have been particularly hit by the lingering crisis.
“Am sure you are aware that his son (Adams Bright) who was interested in the chairmanship position was the first to be killed by his opponent in the community chairmanship position, Mr Charles Aigbe.
“It is the same Aigbe, a landgrabber and well known for his notoriety, that was also responsible for poisoning to death, the wife and daughter of the patriarch of Bright’s family.
“It is sad to note that the same family who are yet to come to term with this tragedy, have their 27 years old son, Godstime Bright, marked for death by the same people who believed they can commit any crime and go free since the have the protection of those in power and security agencies.
“They have made life a living hell for the boy (Godstime Bright) Haven escaped been killed in Azagba, this people used their network of connections to trace the boy to Sapele town where he escaped to.
“Though Godstime again escaped been killed at Sapele, but the whereabout of that youngman is not known to anyone as i speak with you,” Ikponwosa stated.
However, Edo state Police Command had debunked the insinuation that the force had taken side in the Azagba community matter.
The spokesman of the command,
DSP Moses Eguavien, noted that rather than commend the police, some forces who are benefiting from the crisis were out with false narrative to accomplish their evil plans.
“For the record, some persons were apprehended and their statements taken while investigation continues.
“Let me assure here that no stone will be left unturned in a bid to put an end to this lingering crisis that have consumed lives and destroyed properties.
“All those responsible for this heinous crime will be brought to book, that i can assure you all,” he stated.
